Formed on December 6, 1964, the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland fosters the economic and social development of the southern Maryland counties (Calvert County, Charles County, & St. Mary's County). In 1965, the Governor recognized the Council as the cooperative planning and development agency for Southern Maryland. The Council was established by statute in 1966 and became a tax-exempt corporation in 1970 (Chapter 586, Acts of 1966; Chapter 573, Acts of 1970). The Council's enabling law was reenacted as State general legislation in 1976 (Chapter 708, Acts of 1976). In 1984, the status of the Council as an independent agency was confirmed (Chapter 373, Acts of 1984).

The Council brings together local, State and federal resources to address issues in economic development; environmental protection; and regional resource management, which includes transportation, utilities, urban growth and development, housing, and public facilities and services. Annually, the Council submits its proposed programs and operating budget for the next fiscal year to the Department of Commerce. At least every four years, the Council reevaluates the General Development Plan for Southern Maryland, following the election of State and local officials (Chapter 36, Acts of 1979).

Thirty-seven members make up the Council. Twenty-nine are voting members, and eight nonvoting (Code Economic Development Article, secs. 13-601 through 13-640).

In 2000, the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission was convened by the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland to stabilize the agricultural enterprises of Southern Maryland, encompassing Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties. At that time, the State of Maryland had instituted a voluntary tobacco buy-out program, administered by the Council , to encourage farmers to stop growing tobacco.

The Commission assists farmers in transitioning from tobacco production to alternative crops and agricultural enterprises. With the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, the Commission also has developed and revised the Tobacco Transition and Southern Maryland Strategic Plan for Agriculture.

Twenty-three members constitute the Commission. The Tri-County Council appoints nine members to 4-year terms, and eight members to 2-year terms. Representing specialized agricultural sectors, two members are appointed to one-year terms. Four members serve ex officio.

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